Because of a decrease in the utility's incremental cost of compliance to meet the state's renewable energy standard, the monthly renewable energy surcharge for the utility's residential electric customers will be reduced from 65 cents to 52 cents, beginning with the August billing month.

This is the second reduction in the renewable energy surcharge for Consumers Energy residential electric customers since the surcharge was first implemented at $2.50 per month. It was first reduced to 65 cents per month.

The utility, on Oct. 14, 2011, filed an application for review and approval of its 2011 biennial renewable energy plan.

The utility, MPSC staff, the Attorney General, Michigan Cable Telecommunications Association, Environmental Law & Policy Center and the Michigan Environmental Council participated in the settlement.

The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.